Director, Data Center Site Operations

Job Title: Director, Data Center Site Operations

Office Location: San Jose, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Model: Onsite

About SK hynix America

At SK hynix America, we're at the forefront of semiconductor innovation, developing advanced memory solutions that power everything from smartphones to data centers. As a global leader in DRAM and NAND flash technologies, we drive the evolution of advancing mobile technology, empowering cloud computing, and pioneering future technologies. Our cutting-edge memory technologies are essential in today's most advanced electronic devices and IT infrastructure, enabling enhanced performance and user experiences across the digital landscape.

We're looking for innovative minds to join our mission of shaping the future of technology. At SK hynix America, you'll be part of a team that's pioneering breakthrough memory solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. We're not just adapting to technological change - we're driving it, with significant investments in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and eco-friendly solutions and operational practices. As we continue to expand our market presence and push the boundaries of what's possible in semiconductor technology, we invite you to be part of our journey to creating the next generation of memory solutions that will define the future of computing.

About This Role:

This role will support the new SK AI initiative (SK Group level) established to identify and create new business opportunities in the rapidly evolving AI data center market. SK AI seeks to leverage the broad range of capabilities and products, and the collective scale of SK Group portfolio companies to address the top critical challenges in AI infrastructure.

We are seeking a seasoned, Director of Data Center Operations to oversee the purpose-driven AI data center from greenfield/brownfield launch to functional operations. You will be responsible for the strategic vision, operational excellence, and physical and logical security and the safety of our special purpose AI data center. This individual will play mission-critical roles with the technical mastery (MEP, cooling and network).

Responsibilities:

• Operational Excellence: Build and lead the team of site managers, technicians and contractors. Establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Maintenance Methodologies (MOPs)
• Infrastructure & Resilience: Oversee the health of critical systems, including power (UPS, switchgear, and backup generators), cooling (HVAC, CRAC units, and liquid cooling deployments)
• Compliance & Security: Ensure the site meet SOC2, ISO 27001, and local safety (OSHA) standards.
• Internal Alignment and Stakeholder Interface: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure strategy alignment and smooth execution. Deliver the reconfigurable infrastructure to the in-house engineering teams and external technical partners.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and physics.
• Minimum of 15 years of total engineering experience, with at least 10 years focused on data center operations and management.
• Proven leadership experience, including senior-level roles overseeing data center strategy, performance, and teams.
• Experience designing or managing cloud or on-premises IT clusters.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical exposure of emerging power sources, cooling technology and IT equipment such as renewable energy, high power density racks, high voltage power supply, 2-phase cooling technologies.
• Working experience designing or managing CSP or Crypto mining data centers with handling OEMs and System Integrators.
• In-depth knowledge of GPU-based systems, storage servers, SOTA liquid cooling technologies.
• Proficiency in GPU-based cluster design and network topology
• Understanding of Generative AI fundamentals.

Requirement:

• Authorized to work in the US

Benefits:

• Top Tier health insurance at no employee cost
• Paid day offs: PTO + Company Holidays + Happy Fridays
• Paid Parental Leave Program
• 401k Matching
• Educational reimbursement up to $10,000 per year
• Donation Matching and volunteering opportunities
• Corporate discount programs
• Free Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner provided to employees

Equal Employment Opportunity:

SKHYA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender identity, national origin, color, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

Compensation:

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. Pay within the provided range varies by work location and may also depend on job-related skills and experience. Your Recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the job location during the hiring process.

Pay Range

$180,000-$250,000 USD